upgrading towing capacity of 93 " 80 series

Is it April 1 or May 1 today ?

An approved automotive engineer may be able to increase the tow rating and GCM.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome.

I'm actually talking with the auto approved roads government person at moment and checking all figures

Andrew,
Regardless of what you have been told an 80 series diesel, evenwith an aftermarket turbo and 2.5" exhaust will only SAFELY tow 1.5 tonnes. Sure it will do it easily on the flat but give it a decent hill and it will struggle.
I have just bought a 76 series V8 to SAFELY tow a Kimberely Kamper after 17 years of our great 80 series.
If it is a petrol you will need a petrol tanker following you!
Good luck with you decision,
Ian

A heated debate.

My understanding from reading information in LCOOL and other places.

Pre 1999 each state had their own rules, ADR and computerisation brought this together from 1999, the may explain the vague and differing responses from Toyota and the states transport people.

The original 1990/92 80 only had a low GVM in 1993 this increased to around 2960kg
In 1996/7 the chassis was strengthened and the GVM stayed at 2960 with towing capability of 2500kg and a GVM of 5460kg.
In 1996/7 if you asked Toyota would replate your vehicle to 3500kg towing and 3180kg and GVM of 6680kg.

This was achievable because the 1996/97 chassis and brake changes was in preparation for the release of the 105 known at the 100 series.

So prior to 1996 it is not possible to upgrade the towing capacity of the 80 series without full engineering. The age means the chassis may be rusty or damaged, the brakes designed for asbestos pads now have non-asbestos pads that don't hold so well.

The capacityinfo is from Redbook, the GVM - GCM explanation is from Statewide 4x4 FAQ's
Does Increasing My GVM Also Increase My GCM Or My Towing Capacity?

No it does not. Unfortunately you cannot increase the overall GCM or the maximum towing capacity over the manufacturers specifications. By increasing the GVM of your vehicle it allows you to be smarter in the way you set up your vehicle and caravan/trailer.

If you are towing up to the maximum towing capacity at all times then a GVM Upgrade may not suit your needs, however this is not a very common scenario. If you tow less than your maximum towing capacity then it is very likely that you can benefit from having a GVM Upgrade.

FOR EXAMPLE:

200 Series Landcruiser:
•GVM 3300kg
•Max Towing Capacity: 3500kg
•GCM: 6800kg

If you were towing a 2800kg caravan with a ball weight of approx 280kg and your vehicle was loaded up to the maximum GVM of 3300kg (inc your ball weight)

GVM 3300kg + Caravan 2800kg = 6,100kg

As you can see you still have another 700kg before you reach the manufacturers maximum GCM of 6800kg. By having a GVM Upgrade fitted and increasing the GVM of the vehicle from 3300kg to 3800kg you can make use of another 500kg on the vehicle while still remaining compliant and roadworthy, also ensuring that you are covered by insurance should you have an accident.

Wonder what the result of the phone call was.

Would be nice to know.

Please check with you local vehicle engineer as two of my mates have just had their Toyota Prado's 120& 150 upgraded to gvm of 2990kg and tow rating upgraded to 3000kg . required the tow bar to be replaced with a bar rated at 3000 kg.
the 120 required the rear seats to be removed.
this is in NSW do not know about the other states

sorry the GVM on the prado 150 went from 2990kg to 3300 kg .

3 days and no reply from OP Must be still on the phone to RTA lo.l